Staffordshire Police will be using Section 60 powers in the Tunstall area until 11pm tonight, Wednesday, October 29Section 60 police powers in operation (Image: Staffordshire Police)

A violence warning has been issued tonight as police were given special stop and search powers.

Staffordshire Police will be using Section 60 powers in the Tunstall area until 11pm tonight, Wednesday, October 29.

It follows recent disorder in the area where a hammer was located inside a vehicle and information over potential violence.

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The order allows police to stop and search people officers suspect may be involved in violence or weapon offences, without the need to have reasonable grounds.

The order covers Boathorse Road and the area bordered by Reginald Mitchell Way, High Street and Nash Peake Street and will remain in place until 11pm tonight.

Staffordshire Police said: “A Section 60 authorisation means that we can stop and search people for weapons and in this case a s60AA has also been authorised to allow officers to require an individual to remove a face covering.

“Section 60 allows any uniformed constable to stop pedestrians or those in vehicles and search them and their property for offensive weapons, regardless of whether there are any grounds for suspecting possession of such items.

“This is what makes Section 60 a suspicionless search.

“For this to happen a senior officer (those who are Superintendent or above) must believe that serious violence has happened in an area, or is about to happen, before they agree to this power being put in place.

“It’s called a Section 60, or S60, because it is allowed under Section 60 and Section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

“This does not mean people will be stopped indiscriminately and officers will still follow usual stop and search processes including: explaining why a person has been stopped, what object the officer is searching for, the legislation being used

“Recording the interaction on body worn video.

“Offering a receipt to the person who has been stopped.

“If you have any information on violence or knife crime, contact us on Live Chat on our website www.staffordshire.police.uk In an emergency, dial 999.”